As 2015 comes to a close, I love reflecting on my year through the lens of the one word I chose for the past year. At the beginning of this year, I chose the word Joy. This past year has been a year full of joy, even in the midst of not-so-joyful circumstances.
In March, I spoke at our church's annual women's conference on Joy. I learned much more in preparing for this opportunity than I'm sure anyone else gleaned from my teaching. As I focused on the story of Nehemiah and the words of Ezra reminding the people that "the joy of the Lord is my strength" I learned that joy is there on the mountaintops and joy is there in the valleys. Why? Because the Lord is with me. Though I may have known that in my head, really immersing myself in that truth really stuck with me. I love teaching women and I love opportunities to speak and I hope that the words I shared made the same impact on the ladies in attendance as they had on me.
The end of June brought the closing of the last book in the pursuit of my MBA. After two years, I was done. Finished. Complete! I was ecstatic! For the first time in two years I wasn't balancing work, church and school and having some resemblance of a social life. Let's just say that I've been a reading fiend since July 1, and not of the textbook variety. When I started my MBA, it was just a few weeks after my Dad passed away. The journey took on a different perspective as I pursued this degree not only for my future career growth, but because Dad knew I was going back to school and was so proud. On days when I thought I couldn't read one more page about business strategy or economics, I would remember my Dad. My hero who never went to college and earned his high school education by taking the GED. Yet, he was one of the smartest men I ever knew. This was a joyful, albeit exhausting, journey.
In September, I celebrated the culmination of my year of Golden Jubilee. You see, this was the year I turned the big 5-0 and I prefer to call it "Golden Jubilee" than hitting the half century mark. I am blessed with so many wonderful friends. The celebrations were plentiful. If I was honest, I wasn't really keen on this birthday. I did accomplish my Master's by 50, but you always reflect on what you haven't done, not what you have accomplished. But, God is so faithful and I look forward to 50 more years (or however many the Lord blesses me with) to conquer new challenges and reach for my next milestone.
Lest you think the year was all lollipops and unicorns, there were some sad times as well. Many of my close friends lost loved ones suddenly or after long illnesses. Friends faced serious health issues. Work changes abounded. But that is the part about this year's word - Joy. Through all of those experiences, I still found joy. Granted, some of these didn't impact me personally, but in many cases, the losses just brought back the memories of the past losses in my life. Joy was there. And it all goes back to the Scripture in Nehemiah...."the joy of the Lord is my strength." The Lord is my joy and my strength. Without Him, life is desperately hopeless.
It's been a great year, full of joy. Even amidst the darker times. As I reflect on the year, I am grateful for His mercy and grace. As I look forward to 2016, and meditate on my next word, I know that my word for the upcoming year will be rooted in the foundation of joy. Stay tuned for the big reveal!
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Good News at Christmas
Tis the season for holiday cheer and mayhem. And the real meaning of Christmas - the birth of Jesus. But amidst all the chaos and cacophony, the good news of Christmas gets lost. More than that, our news feeds are replete with negative news from all over our city, country and world. It can be quite a downer when I'm trying to feel all jolly, and Ho-ho-ho like. But the last few days, I've experienced some things that have warmed my heart amidst the negativity.
Last Friday morning, my day started off with a group Facebook message from one of my high school classmates. She had observed another classmate of ours posting something the night before about feeling suicidal. Sadly, I've not talked or heard from this classmate since high school. Apparently her life has turned very difficult. Her husband left her, she is addicted to drugs, and her son was taken away from her on Thursday. As high school classmates, we all rallied together to reach out to her, encourage her and pray for her. We banded together to donate money to buy Christmas gifts for her son, and are seeking out resources in the area to help her, especially a church.
The coolest thing about this is how our classmates mobilized. Social media was used for good. We were able to reach people near and far, even for a classmate who was struggling and lives across the country from most of us. People didn't hesitate to give money to help provide Christmas. Even today, plans are being made to go shopping and we're getting closer to more resources to help her. Maybe the most amazing thing is this. We all graduated high school in 1983....32 years ago. The bond we have transcends time.
Yesterday morning at work I experienced the second "feel good" event. One of my employees had noticed a man walking around the parking lot with his dog. He seemed disoriented. We have a lot of dog walkers from the area but this guy just didn't seem right. Two of my male employees went out to check on him. They discovered he was special needs, and seemed lost, not being able to find his house. Peter and Jon then called the non-emergency police line and explained the situation and the police said they'd come and make sure they got him home. The guy couldn't tell them where he lived, and only the first name of his parents. Peter got ingenious and took the phone number on the dog's tags, Googled it, and did a reverse lookup on the address. Jon got water for the guy and his dog, and the dog didn't drink any water, which was a good sign they hadn't been out too long. When the police got there, the work was done and all they had to do was transport the guy and his dog home.
I always say my team rocks, but yesterday, they truly hit it out of the park. They were alert to a problem, addressed the problem and resolved it. All before 11am. On days when work is discouraging and frustrating, being able to do a good deed, just makes the day better.
The best news this Christmas is Jesus' birth. And that's where I need to focus, but having these sweet events occur to help me remember that the world isn't completely lacking compassion gives me hope to keep plugging on. One day Jesus will come again, and when that day comes, oh what a joyful time of really good news that will be.
Last Friday morning, my day started off with a group Facebook message from one of my high school classmates. She had observed another classmate of ours posting something the night before about feeling suicidal. Sadly, I've not talked or heard from this classmate since high school. Apparently her life has turned very difficult. Her husband left her, she is addicted to drugs, and her son was taken away from her on Thursday. As high school classmates, we all rallied together to reach out to her, encourage her and pray for her. We banded together to donate money to buy Christmas gifts for her son, and are seeking out resources in the area to help her, especially a church.
The coolest thing about this is how our classmates mobilized. Social media was used for good. We were able to reach people near and far, even for a classmate who was struggling and lives across the country from most of us. People didn't hesitate to give money to help provide Christmas. Even today, plans are being made to go shopping and we're getting closer to more resources to help her. Maybe the most amazing thing is this. We all graduated high school in 1983....32 years ago. The bond we have transcends time.
Yesterday morning at work I experienced the second "feel good" event. One of my employees had noticed a man walking around the parking lot with his dog. He seemed disoriented. We have a lot of dog walkers from the area but this guy just didn't seem right. Two of my male employees went out to check on him. They discovered he was special needs, and seemed lost, not being able to find his house. Peter and Jon then called the non-emergency police line and explained the situation and the police said they'd come and make sure they got him home. The guy couldn't tell them where he lived, and only the first name of his parents. Peter got ingenious and took the phone number on the dog's tags, Googled it, and did a reverse lookup on the address. Jon got water for the guy and his dog, and the dog didn't drink any water, which was a good sign they hadn't been out too long. When the police got there, the work was done and all they had to do was transport the guy and his dog home.
I always say my team rocks, but yesterday, they truly hit it out of the park. They were alert to a problem, addressed the problem and resolved it. All before 11am. On days when work is discouraging and frustrating, being able to do a good deed, just makes the day better.
The best news this Christmas is Jesus' birth. And that's where I need to focus, but having these sweet events occur to help me remember that the world isn't completely lacking compassion gives me hope to keep plugging on. One day Jesus will come again, and when that day comes, oh what a joyful time of really good news that will be.
Monday, November 30, 2015
The Rose in My Life
This Thanksgiving, like all in the last three years, was different. Since my Dad passed away in 2013, every Thanksgiving is spent in a new way. It can be bittersweet, but this year, I reflected a lot on my Mom and past Thanksgivings with her.
My Mom has been gone 15 years and some holidays I miss her more than others. This year, I thought about her constantly during the Thanksgiving holiday. Mainly because of one of the many things she taught me that applies so perfectly today. One Thanksgiving years ago, we had come home from a day at my Granny's. For my whole life, until my Granny went into a nursing home, we spent every holiday at her house. She was an amazing cook and I absolutely loved being at my Granny's. She was a role model to me in being an independent woman. I digress, but we came home and I had a message from a friend of mine. This was pre-cell phone days, when you didn't get texts or voicemails and got messages when you returned home. Ahh, the more relaxed life.
My friend had spent the day with her family and had gotten home from her festivities and was home alone in her apartment. I could tell she really didn't want to be alone and no more than I played her message, Mom said "Go on, spend the evening with her. One day we'll be gone and you'll need to make your own memories on holidays." That was just one way my Mom (and Dad) encouraged me to be independent. So off I went.
This year, one of my friends asked me if I had plans for Thanksgiving. Now that my family is gone, I am blessed with lots of options and open invitations from so many friends that I always have a place to go. I told her I had many plans but asked what was up. Her family was going out of state for the holiday and she had to work the day after Thanksgiving, hence, she would be here alone. I did some checking on some options for us and told her I was free and we'd go out for Thanksgiving. I called one of my favorite places in the area - Claudia Sanders Dinner House - and confirmed their Thanksgiving buffet schedule, and when they predicted it to be the least busy. We arrived about 4:30 and had a minimal 10 minute wait. The food was amazing (as always) and made even better because they bring around hot yeast rolls about every 15 minutes. Not good for the diet, but oh so good for the tummy! It was a fun time with great food.
I thought much about that scene with my Mom I described earlier. How years ago she taught me to make my own memories on holidays. I couldn't stop thinking about that one moment that seemed insignificant at the time, but has taught me a lesson I'll never forget. Oh how I wish she was here to tell her, "Mom you were so right!" And I'd share with her how my memory of that lesson is brighter today than it was then. I'm oh so thankful for countless things, but this year, my Mom is at the top of the list. She was the sweetest, most fragrant Rose in my life.
Monday, November 16, 2015
You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown
Recently, the new Peanuts Movie feature film was released and I was fortunate enough to see it on opening weekend. For all those Star Wars fans pre-purchasing their movie tickets, I was more geeked over the release of this movie.
For those who haven't seen it, and plan to, beware, there are some spoilers in this blog. But, do come back to read this once you've seen it and comment if you agree (or disagree).
I grew up going to Peanuts movies in the theater. From A Boy Named Charlie Brown to Snoopy Come Home, I didn't miss a showing. You see, I was a huge Peanuts fan. So much so, that I was never without a stuffed Snoopy in my arms. I had so many variations of stuffed Snoopy that when one would wear out, my Mom would say "he went to stuffed animal heaven" and I'd get a new one. Seriously, I'd wear the "fluff" off of them! I even had a Snoopy that was half the size of me dressed as the Red Baron. One of the Snoopys made it into my annual photo shoot. The Red Baron Snoopy was so worn out that his neck flopped to one side from me carrying him around everywhere by his neck before he "retired". To this day, I still have a stuffed Snoopy. Don't judge.
Hearing that a new feature film would be released stirred excitement and skepticism all at the same time. I wanted it to be as good and the movies I remembered, but feared that surely now that Charles Schulz is gone, it wouldn't be the pure representation I longed for. Au contraire mon frer. It was simply the best.
The animation was exquisite and stayed true to the form of the original Peanuts cartoons and comics. No mobile phones, no talk of Facebook or Twitter. Praise Jesus. An old-fashioned rotary phone still rang and made an appearance. All Peanuts movies, cartoons and comics should have this timeless look and feel. Thank you Blue Sky Productions.
The story has many running themes throughout the movie - a toy airplane for one - that takes us into Snoopy's life as the Red Baron. And the little Red-Haired Girl plays a big role in the movie. Charlie Brown is still trying to impress her and it seems, like always, he fails. When he's recognized for having a perfect score on a test, he realizes it's Peppermint Patty's test, not his. So, on stage, in front of all his classmates, he admits he's not the guy to receive Miss Othmar's medal. He walks off the stage hanging his head. At the end of the school year, everyone picks summer pen pals, and much to Charlie Brown's surprise, the little Red-Haired Girl picks him! As she is getting on the bus to go off to camp, he asks her why. And her response..."That's easy. It's because I admire the type of person you are." Charlie Brown says "a wishy-washy failure?" and she recounts all the reasons why she admires him (which I'll omit so you can really enjoy the movie).
If I was a Mom, I'd run to the theater to take my children to see this movie. It is wholesome family entertainment, but more than that, it teaches them that good guys (or gals) don't always finish last. Thank you Schulz family for bringing back my childhood friends in the most amazing way.
For those who haven't seen it, and plan to, beware, there are some spoilers in this blog. But, do come back to read this once you've seen it and comment if you agree (or disagree).
I grew up going to Peanuts movies in the theater. From A Boy Named Charlie Brown to Snoopy Come Home, I didn't miss a showing. You see, I was a huge Peanuts fan. So much so, that I was never without a stuffed Snoopy in my arms. I had so many variations of stuffed Snoopy that when one would wear out, my Mom would say "he went to stuffed animal heaven" and I'd get a new one. Seriously, I'd wear the "fluff" off of them! I even had a Snoopy that was half the size of me dressed as the Red Baron. One of the Snoopys made it into my annual photo shoot. The Red Baron Snoopy was so worn out that his neck flopped to one side from me carrying him around everywhere by his neck before he "retired". To this day, I still have a stuffed Snoopy. Don't judge.
Hearing that a new feature film would be released stirred excitement and skepticism all at the same time. I wanted it to be as good and the movies I remembered, but feared that surely now that Charles Schulz is gone, it wouldn't be the pure representation I longed for. Au contraire mon frer. It was simply the best.
The animation was exquisite and stayed true to the form of the original Peanuts cartoons and comics. No mobile phones, no talk of Facebook or Twitter. Praise Jesus. An old-fashioned rotary phone still rang and made an appearance. All Peanuts movies, cartoons and comics should have this timeless look and feel. Thank you Blue Sky Productions.
The story has many running themes throughout the movie - a toy airplane for one - that takes us into Snoopy's life as the Red Baron. And the little Red-Haired Girl plays a big role in the movie. Charlie Brown is still trying to impress her and it seems, like always, he fails. When he's recognized for having a perfect score on a test, he realizes it's Peppermint Patty's test, not his. So, on stage, in front of all his classmates, he admits he's not the guy to receive Miss Othmar's medal. He walks off the stage hanging his head. At the end of the school year, everyone picks summer pen pals, and much to Charlie Brown's surprise, the little Red-Haired Girl picks him! As she is getting on the bus to go off to camp, he asks her why. And her response..."That's easy. It's because I admire the type of person you are." Charlie Brown says "a wishy-washy failure?" and she recounts all the reasons why she admires him (which I'll omit so you can really enjoy the movie).
If I was a Mom, I'd run to the theater to take my children to see this movie. It is wholesome family entertainment, but more than that, it teaches them that good guys (or gals) don't always finish last. Thank you Schulz family for bringing back my childhood friends in the most amazing way.
Tuesday, October 06, 2015
Table Topics: Fall Favorites
It's Fall y'all! Ok, that phrase is not one of my favorites, but this Table Topic theme is all about favorites...and not so favorites.
Tis the season in Louisville where you need to keep summer and fall clothes options readily available at all times. Last week we had two days of 50 degree weather, and then back up to the glorious 70s. But it is October and time to think about that short season of autumn that happens before we hit the cold, hard winter months.
I have to start with something that isn't my Fall favorite...Pumpkin Spice Lattes. Let the lashing begin. I adore Starbucks and I adore pumpkin, but put the two together and I'm not impressed. I've had one Pumpkin Spice Latte and it was less than enjoyable, which isn't my normal Starbucks experience. Now, I'm happy to eat a pumpkin muffin from Starbucks whilst sipping my White Mocha, but spare me the pumpkin-flavored coffee.
A Fall favorite is s'mores! Now s'mores can be made all year long, even during the summer camping seasons, but s'mores around a Fall bonfire are just yummy. I'll share my s'mores indoors recipes. First, hover a marshmallow over a fireplace and you got the makings of yummy goodness. Or, if you are desperate, over a candle. That takes much longer and may end up tasting like vanilla bean. The easiest recipe is to put your s'more together and then zap it in the microwave for 15 seconds. Voila! S'more!
Another favorite is the Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin fragrance from Bath & Body Works. This is by far my favorite smell and I try and stock up for those months when they don't have it in stock, even online. There is something about this scent that makes me feel like wearing sweaters, curling up with a good book, or munching on popcorn while watching a movie in my snuggie. I stumbled upon this fragrance years ago and I'm SO thankful they haven't discontinued it. My sales alone I hope will keep it popular.
So, now it's your turn...
What are your Fall Favorites?
I'll "leaf" the discussion in your hands...
Tis the season in Louisville where you need to keep summer and fall clothes options readily available at all times. Last week we had two days of 50 degree weather, and then back up to the glorious 70s. But it is October and time to think about that short season of autumn that happens before we hit the cold, hard winter months.
I have to start with something that isn't my Fall favorite...Pumpkin Spice Lattes. Let the lashing begin. I adore Starbucks and I adore pumpkin, but put the two together and I'm not impressed. I've had one Pumpkin Spice Latte and it was less than enjoyable, which isn't my normal Starbucks experience. Now, I'm happy to eat a pumpkin muffin from Starbucks whilst sipping my White Mocha, but spare me the pumpkin-flavored coffee.
A Fall favorite is s'mores! Now s'mores can be made all year long, even during the summer camping seasons, but s'mores around a Fall bonfire are just yummy. I'll share my s'mores indoors recipes. First, hover a marshmallow over a fireplace and you got the makings of yummy goodness. Or, if you are desperate, over a candle. That takes much longer and may end up tasting like vanilla bean. The easiest recipe is to put your s'more together and then zap it in the microwave for 15 seconds. Voila! S'more!
Another favorite is the Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin fragrance from Bath & Body Works. This is by far my favorite smell and I try and stock up for those months when they don't have it in stock, even online. There is something about this scent that makes me feel like wearing sweaters, curling up with a good book, or munching on popcorn while watching a movie in my snuggie. I stumbled upon this fragrance years ago and I'm SO thankful they haven't discontinued it. My sales alone I hope will keep it popular.
So, now it's your turn...
What are your Fall Favorites?
I'll "leaf" the discussion in your hands...
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